Second Mini Golf Outing = Success!
We hosted our second mini golf outing on Aug. 2, and raised over $22,000 in support of education in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.
We'd like to thank event sponsors HHSDR Architects and Engineers and Cool Springs, all of our supporting sponsors and community partners, and the families, friends, and neighbors who attended this fantastic community event. Dating back to 2016, our traditional and mini golf outings have raised over $52,000 in support of educational initiatives and programs in the school district. You can read more about the outing and view a photo gallery on our events page. |
2022 BWEF Scholarship Recipients Announced
Congratulations to our 2022 scholarship recipients. All students received certificates of scholarship at senior recognition night on June 2. We awarded more than $15,000 in scholarship value, tripling our scholarship amount since 2018. Thank you to our community partners for your support.
James E. Lewis Science Scholarship, presented by the James. E. Lewis Science Endowment
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Donald Huckle Memorial Band Scholarship, presented by the Donald Huckle Memorial Band Fund
BWEF Annual Scholarships
- Sierra Schmidt
- Emma Damiani
- Neveen Khalil
- Russell Tortoreti
BWEF Annual Scholarships
- Greta Gorman, presented by Baldwin High School Class of 1971
- Erin Hampton, presented by Carrie on Communication
- Sofia Khatiwada, presented by Definitely You, Inc.
- Jaden Philips, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation
- Elianna Sinkule, presented by HHSDR Architects and Engineers
Book Vending Machine Arrives at Whitehall Elementary School
"How do I get a book?" That was the question of the day as students gazed in excitement at the brand new book vending machine at Whitehall Elementary School. The machine was introduced during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 20 and welcomed by a group of students eager to put the machine to the test. "I was really excited and proud to be the first one to pick out a book," said Summer W., a second-grade student at Whitehall. Summer holds the distinction of being the first-ever student to earn a book from the vending machine. The District's technology services team decorated three sides of machine with a custom artwork wrap created by Nathan Redding of Baldwin High School, whose original design was voted the best submission of a District-wide student artwork contest that the foundation hosted in December 2021. The design features two students reading atop a stack of books with inspirational quotes from various authors on the spines of each book. Additionally, there is room on each side to display new student artwork throughout the year. Fourth-grade student Addie A. was also among the first group of book recipients. "It was very cool to get a book from the vending machine," she said. Both Summer's and Addie's art designs are displayed on the wrap. "I felt so honored to have my artwork put on the machine," Addie said. |
Book vending machines incentivize students to make kind, positive choices in order to receive a gold coin that can be redeemed for a book. Kristy Frohliger, STEAM/Media specialist in the District and coordinator of the project, noted that the Baldwin-Whitehall School District is one of the first districts in the Pittsburgh area to install a book vending machine inside one of its schools. "This machine will most definitely have a positive impact on our students' behaviors and reading levels," she said.
Ms. Frohliger could feel the enthusiasm growing as soon as the machine became visible to students. "When the day came for the first students to get a book, the energy in the lobby was contagious," she said. "What a thrill for us to be able to tell the kids to enjoy their books. We will update the machine regularly with the most current books that students love to read, so it will always be a special activity for them."
"I am so happy that the dream of having a book vending machine in the school came to fruition," Ms. Frohliger said. Funding for the machine was made possible through individual donations at DonorsChoose.com, the Dollar General Literacy Fund, and a faculty innovations grant provided by the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation.
Kyla, a fifth-grade student who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, indicated that the machine was already serving its intended purpose. "I was excited to be one of the first to try out the new book vending machine," Kyla said, "and I picked a Babysitters Club book. I hope I can earn more rewards for another book before the end of the school year."
Ms. Frohliger could feel the enthusiasm growing as soon as the machine became visible to students. "When the day came for the first students to get a book, the energy in the lobby was contagious," she said. "What a thrill for us to be able to tell the kids to enjoy their books. We will update the machine regularly with the most current books that students love to read, so it will always be a special activity for them."
"I am so happy that the dream of having a book vending machine in the school came to fruition," Ms. Frohliger said. Funding for the machine was made possible through individual donations at DonorsChoose.com, the Dollar General Literacy Fund, and a faculty innovations grant provided by the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation.
Kyla, a fifth-grade student who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, indicated that the machine was already serving its intended purpose. "I was excited to be one of the first to try out the new book vending machine," Kyla said, "and I picked a Babysitters Club book. I hope I can earn more rewards for another book before the end of the school year."

Surprise Funding: 11 Grants Awarded During Teaching Appreciation Week
On May 3, 2022, BWEF surprised several faculty by fully funding 11 projects listed on DonorsChoose.com. Our support, matched at 50% by Sonic Drive-In, created nearly $3,500 in innovation grants value for eight different faculty at three different schools:
On May 3, 2022, BWEF surprised several faculty by fully funding 11 projects listed on DonorsChoose.com. Our support, matched at 50% by Sonic Drive-In, created nearly $3,500 in innovation grants value for eight different faculty at three different schools:
- Building a Love of Reading : Maeve Hendricks, Whitehall Elementary School
- Cozy Calm Down Corner: Alexandra Hasis, Whitehall Elementary School
- Get Hooked on a Book: Caitlin Haniotakis, Whitehall Elementary School
- Loving Life in Biology, Environment and Scientific Inquiry: Tina Gaser, Baldwin High School
- Novel Studies Rock: Angela Siler, Whitehall Elementary School
- Putting Skills to Work with Ukeleles: Megan Kraus, Whitehall Elementary School
- Success with STEAM Supplies : Kristen Knorr, J.E. Harrison Education Center
- Wild Reading Adventure with Wild Robot Escapes, Many Faces of Magna Tiles, Full STEAM Ahead: Angela Rusnica, Whitehall Elementary School
Pathways to Support BWEF
There are a variety of ways to support the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation. Whether you want to become a community partner, establish an endowment fund, attend/host a fundraiser, or join the foundation as a member, we are always looking for ways to expand our network and our impact.
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The Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports
innovation and excellence in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.